Industry views on oil reuse needed

New guidance is being developed on turning used lubricating oils into a cheaper alternative to virgin fossil fuels - and industry is being asked for its views.

The Environment Agency and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) have launched a consultation in a bid to clarify guidance for industry on reusing the oil.

It forms part of the Defra-funded Waste Protocols Project to encourage business resources to be used more efficiently.

Recovered fuel oil varies in quality and is currently classified as waste, meaning that businesses using it have to meet emissions standards set out in the Waste Incineration Directive.

The guidance, entitled Quality Protocol for the Production and Use of Processed Fuel Oil from Waste Lubricating Oil, sets out standards that processed lubricating oils must comply with to avoid being classed as waste.

Martin Brocklehurst, head of environment protection external programmes at the Environment Agency, said: "We have worked with industry, government departments and the Energy Institute to develop this Quality Protocol.

"Compliance with the protocol should ensure the continued protection of the environment while clarifying the regulations for businesses that process waste lubricating oil.

"Processed fuel oil users will be given the confidence that the new product derived from waste materials conforms to agreed quality standards.

"We are keen to hear the views of other stakeholders and hope to engage with a wide range of consultees."